ABSTRACT
Poet, and his acuteness and analytical power as a Critic. Some of his productions have never been surpassed for originality of thought, and singularity yet beauty of style. Although his 'Raven' has been pronounced the best, as well as the most remarkable poem ever written in America, yet it is most probable that we have never had anything from his pen, which has displayed the great intellectual powers that he possessed, to their full extent; at least this was his own conviction. He has had to struggle, nearly all his life with poverty, and has not had those advantages which more leisure, and a comfortable living, would have afforded him for displaying his powers. In the Department of Criticism he has obtained his greatest celebrity, yet even in this he has been cramped - never having had a periodical under his exclusive control.
